Pictured at the launch of the Here2Help App at Stormont are Stewart Dickson, MLA; Health Minister, Edwin Poots and creators of the app, Jack Creighton and Noel McKee. INCT 20-749-CON

A new mobile phone App which aims to tackle Northern Ireland’s suicide rate has been launched at Stormont.

The Here2Help App was developed by Carrick men, Noel McKee of East Antrim Counselling and Jack Creighton.

Once downloaded, the free tool provides instant access to crisis helplines within two taps on a smartphone. It is designed for emergency situations when someone is in need of immediate crisis support or for friends, families or even strangers, who are faced with the dilemma of assisting someone in crisis.

Noel said: “In an urgent situation, this can be life-saving. Northern Ireland has one of the highest suicide rates in the UK and that rate has doubled over the last 15 years.”

Supporting the project was Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson. “I am particularly proud that this project has been driven forward by two of my constituents, who identified a need in the community.”